German Cleaning Company to Spruce Up Rizal Monument

(SPOT.ph) The Rizal Monument in Luneta Park, completed in 1913, is one of the most photographed and recognizable historical landmarks in the Philippines. (At least before the "pambansang photobomb" destroyed the view.) Aside from being an important national memorial, it is an artwork designed by Swiss sculptor Richard Kissling—the second-placer for the international design competition for the United States Philippine Commission-approved project. More than a century after it was constructed, the white granite obelisk and bronze statue of Rizal are now covered with streaks of soot, water stains, and other natural elements that tarnished its once-regal appearance.

IMAGE Courtesy of Karcher

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IMAGE Courtesy of Karcher

Germany-based cleaning company Kärcher is coming to the Philippines to bring back the luster of the Rizal Monument. This is part of its global initiative called Kärcher Cleans the World, which supports the preservation of historical monuments and buildings. Some of the landmarks that Kärcher cleaned in the past are: Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, Statue of Liberty in New York, Space Needle in Seattle, Statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Colonnades in Vatican City, London Eye in the United Kingdom, and many more. They would remove lichen, algae, moss, and other organic dirt; repair long-term damages caused by biocorrosion; scrape off salt coating; and other types of wear and tear in these monuments.

The Kärcher Cleans the World initiative in Manila is from December 14 to 15, 2017.